Reducing Your Risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

There are a variety of issues that can contribute to CAD and fortunately many of the risk factors can be managed or avoided. The more factors you control, the more you reduce your risk of CAD.

Aim for a Healthy Weight

If you are overweight or
obese
, adopt a sensible eating plan. Exercise regularly to
lose weight
gradually, and maintain your weight at the desired level. Consider consulting with a dietitian who can help you with meal planning and portion sizing.

Quit Smoking

Chemicals in tobacco smoke contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, increasing your risk of
atherosclerosis
. It also irritates the lining of the blood vessels which can cause further damage to the blood vessels.

Quitting smoking is the best way to put yourself on the right track. Talk with your doctor about tools and programs to help you
quit
. Secondhand smoke can be damaging as well.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Excess alcohol intake is also associated with an increased risk of CAD. If you drink alcohol, aim for moderation. Moderate alcohol intake means two drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women. Some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may help increase the beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which may help reduce plaque build-up.

Eat a Healthful Diet

Your diet can have a significant impact on your "bad" and "good" cholesterol levels. Managing your cholesterol levels with a well-balanced diet can reduce your risk for CAD by reducing the amount of plaque build-up.

Control Blood Glucose Levels If You have Diabetes

High blood glucose levels can cause damage to smaller blood vessels and contribute to atherosclerosis. Managing blood glucose levels can reduce the risk or delay onset of CAD for people with
diabetes
. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to develop a plan to manage your blood glucose levels.

Maintain Normal Blood Pressure

High blood pressure
is a major cause of CAD. Dietary changes, regular exercise, and medications can help you control your blood pressure. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, adhere to the treatment plan outlined by your doctor. Stay in contact with your medical team and have your blood pressure tested regularly.

Too much sodium has also been linked to high blood pressure. Aim for sodium levels less than 2,300 mg per day. Read food labels to find the hidden sodium in your diet in addition to limiting use of table salt.

Exercise Regularly

Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, using a stationary bike, or treadmill, can help reduce the risk of heart disease including CAD. In geeral, it is recommended that you
exercise
at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week.
If you have a sedentary job, it may be beneficial to aim for 60 minutes of exercise a day. Overall, exercise will help strengthen the heart muscle, decrease the heart's workload, and lower blood pressure.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

How can coronary heart disease be prevented or delayed? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/prevention.html.
Updated October 23, 2015. Accessed March 2, 2016.

Wilson P. Homocysteine and coronary heart disease. How great is the hazard?
JAMA.
2002;288:2042-2043.

12/15/2016 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113884/Physical-activity-for-cardiovascular-disease-prevention. Ekelund U, Steene-Johannessen J, Brown WJ. Does physical activity attenuate, or even eliminate, the detrimental association of sitting time with mortality? A harmonised meta-analysis of data from more than 1 million men and women. Lancet 2016;388(10051):1302-1310.